Willamette Pass

Those familiar with the Willamette National Forest in central Oregon's Cascade mountain range will likely know about the Willamette Pass Resort. Since 1941, this family-owned (Eugene's Wiper family has owned the ski area since 1982) ski area has offered alpine and Nordic exploration 20 miles east of Oakridge.

Oregon's Interstate travelers will find I-5 the closest route to the venue, transferring to Oregon State Highway 58 Eugene. Those driving from the east can use US Route 97. Portland's International Airport will receive guests flying into the state, with smaller regional airfields an option if guests want to get closer before transferring to ground transportation.

Cascade Fun in Central Oregon

The Willamette Pass ski area sits in the Cascade mountain range, known as mountains that receive many dumps over the ski season. Nature's bounty is abundant here, with an average annual snowfall amount of 430 inches. Those snowfall totals make it a favorite for local park rats, but the beginner-friendly runs also attract students from regional schools that want to learn skiing and snowboarding here. The amenities on the mountain are minimal, but current ownership continues to expand equipment and facilities each season.

One area of improvement is the Willamette Pass Resort's lodge. It provides simple services and a place to take a break or meet up with others in the group. There are rentals available here, but visitors should check ahead of time if they are traveling light. Guest services reside here, and it is the spot where Nordic explorers can start their trek.

Guests looking for lessons at the Willamette Pass Resort will find one-on-one sessions available. These last for one hour and provide instruction for students to explore the green-rated trails at the venue. Those with experience can get a brush-up before attempting the steep terrain that the ski area offers. Dining and lodging are found off-site in surrounding communities.

One of the World's Steepest Runs

Bring your brain bucket if you plan on hitting the alpine portion of the Willamette Pass ski area. The venue hosted the 1993 Subaru U.S. Speed Skiing Championships, with a 116.56 MPH top speed reached. Here, you have a chance to bomb down one of the steepest runs in the world (named R.T.S.) at 52-degrees!

A base elevation of 5,120 feet pairs with a summit height of 6,683 feet to create the venue's 1,563-foot vertical that guests enjoy. The ski area sits on 555 acres of skiable terrain, of which 225 acres receive scheduled grooming. There are also 12.4 miles of Nordic trails for cross country and snowshoe exploration at Willamette Pass.

The resort has 29 alpine runs (5 beginner/green, 13 intermediate/blue, 11 advanced/black diamond), with Kaleidoscope/Perseverance being the longest at over two miles. Trails are 21-percent green, 45-percent blue, and 34-percent black diamond. The Willamette Pass Resort maintains a lift system with five devices, including a six-person gondola and a magic carpet. Lifties can move 9,300 guests uphill each hour at maximum capacity, which helps to keep lines non-existent during most of the season.

The Willamette Pass does have a terrain park, but there is no snow tubing.